Galatians 4:11
11I am afraid for you, lest I have labored for you in vain.
Truth to Learn
Someone was faithful and diligent in preaching the gospel to you when you got saved. You should be grateful to them and to God.
Behind the Words
“I am afraid” is translated from the Greek “phoboumai,” which is a verb form of the noun “phobos” (from which we get our English word phobia) meaning fear. The verb “phobouai” means to frighten, to terrify, to put in fear, or to cause to run away. This is a very strong word for Paul to have used implying a grave concern for the Christians in
Some translations have rendered this as “I am afraid of you.” This phrase in the Greek only has a verb (I am afraid) and a direct object (you, plural). Hence, it could be interpreted as I fear you or I am afraid with respect to you. The latter interpretation seems more reasonable in the context of what Paul is telling the Galatian Christians.
The word “labored” is translated from a form of “kopiaō” meaning to be weary, worn-out, or faint. The use of this word implies that Paul previously put great effort into his ministry to the churches in
Meaning Explained
Some would read this as Paul declaring his fear that his labor on the Galatians was a waste of his own time, which could have been put to use on someone else. This is not what he is saying at all. Paul’s concern is not for himself or the effort that he has expended; his concern is for the spiritual condition of the Christians in the churches in
Paul is more concerned for the spiritual welfare of these church members than he is for himself. He clearly believes them to be genuinely saved because he refers to them as “brethren” several times in this letter. This is a term of fellowship that he only uses with true members of the body of Christ.
The observance of Jewish rites and ritualistic practices, however, is so counter to what true faith in Jesus Christ is that Paul cannot conceive of a genuinely saved Christian believing that these are necessary. His conviction on this point is so strong that he not only expends the effort of writing this lengthy letter to them, but he also risks offending them by using very direct and very strong language with them.
Galatians 4:20 20I would like to be present with you now and to change my tone; for I have doubts about you.
Paul obviously has a great love for these people, but he is not willing to soften his stance or compromise his beliefs regarding salvation by grace through faith and faith alone.
Application
Do you remember who it was that preached the gospel message to you the day you got saved? Do you have a parent, a grandparent, or a friend who prayed for you without ceasing until you got saved?
Have you ever told them thank you for their own effort and faithfulness?
In God’s service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2007 Will Krause. All rights reserved.
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